Thyroid function in Kuwaiti subjects with Down's syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the thyroid function of individuals with Down's syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were measured in 58 Kuwaitis with DS who resided at a residential facility or attended rehabilitation centers.

Results: Twenty-six subjects (45%) were euthyroid and 32 (55%) had thyroid dysfunction. One patient had previously been diagnosed with thyroid failure whereas the other 31 patients had newly discovered disease: 9 patients had primary hypothyroidism (T(4) 9.95 +/- 1.1 pmol/l and TSH 15.15 +/- 11.93 mU/l), 19 subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 6.47 +/- 2.57 mU/l), 1 secondary hypothyroidism, 1 hyperthyroidism, and the remaining 1 subclinical hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid antibodies were found in 52% of the total subjects and in 59% of those with thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is common in Kuwaiti subjects with DS and is presumably the consequence of autoimmune thyroid disease. Periodic thyroid function testing is recommended in individuals with DS, which is best done through a national program.